Yarn 101: Types of Yarn Explained

Understanding the wide array of types of yarn can be a bit bewildering, especially for beginners. With so many different thicknesses, colors, and textures to choose from, where does one even begin?

Fear not, as this guide is here to simplify the process and help you navigate through the diverse world of yarn. From understanding the differences between plant, animal, synthetic, and specialty yarns to decoding the importance of yarn weight, ply, and texture, I’ll break it all down for you.

So, whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, let’s embark on this yarn-tastic journey together. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of types of yarn and feel confident in choosing the perfect one for your next project.

Let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of yarn!

Understanding Types of Yarn

We’ve all been there. Standing in front of a massive shelf of yarn and not knowing, which type of yarn to choose. Understanding the difference between the yarn types is crucial for any crafter embarking on a new project.

Yarns vary in fiber content, texture, colors, yarn weight, and yarn ply, each influencing the final outcome. By familiarizing yourself with these characteristics, you can select the best yarn for your needs.

Several skeins of different types of yarn in a pile

Whether you prefer the softness of wool yarn, the breathability of cotton yarn, or the luxurious feel of silk yarn, there’s a type of yarn to suit every project.

Additionally, considering factors like yarn weight and ply ensures your project turns out as intended. Texture adds depth and visual interest, while colors set the mood and tone.

So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect yarn for your next knitting or crocheting adventure!

Exploring Yarn Characteristics

Here are some of the key characteristics that define different types of yarn. These characteristics vary depending on the type of fiber used in the yarn, influencing factors such as texture, durability, and overall appearance.

Fiber Content: Influences the properties of the yarn, including warmth, softness, and care requirements. Plant, animal, and synthetic fibers each offer unique characteristics. Understanding the properties of different fibers helps you choose the right yarn for your project.
Yarn Weight: Determines the thickness of the yarn and affects the gauge of your project. Each weight category has its own characteristics and recommended uses. Lace weight yarn is delicate and lightweight, while bulky weight yarn is thick and quick to knit.
Yarn Ply: Indicates the number of strands twisted together in a yarn. Single ply yarns are delicate, while multiple ply yarns offer increased stability for various projects. Each ply affects the yarn’s texture and appearance, allowing crafters to achieve desired results.
Texture: Refers to the feel and appearance of the yarn, ranging from smooth and sleek to textured and fuzzy. Texture adds visual interest and depth to your projects.
Colors: The color palette of yarns spans the rainbow, allowing for endless creative possibilities.

TIP! Read the yarn label! It provides essential details such as fiber content, yarn weight, care instructions, and dye lot. By examining the label, you ensure the yarn meets your project requirements and preferences.

A lavender colored skein of yarn with the label showing — Always read the yarn label to ensure the yarn meets your project requirements.

Fiber Content of Yarn

Fiber content refers to the material from which the yarn is made. Yarns can be made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk, or bamboo, or from synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester.

Then there are blend yarns, which are a mixture of two or more fibers. These yarns are produced with a combination of two or more types of different fibers or yarns to obtain desired traits and aesthetics. For example, it’s very popular to strengthen wool with polyester or nylon, making it perfect for especially for socks and other garments that get a lot of wear.

Each type of fiber has its own unique properties, such as softness, warmth, elasticity, breathability, or durability, which impact the look and feel of the finished project.

Let’s take a closer look.

Plant Fiber Yarns

Plant fiber yarns are derived from natural plant sources, offering breathability and eco-friendliness.

These yarns are lightweight and perfect for warm weather projects like summer tops as well as kitchen textiles, such as dishcloths and hand towels. Additionally, they are often hypoallergenic, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Two skeins of cotton yarn next to bamboo knitting needles — Cotton yarn made of plant fibers is lightweight, making it perfect for airy summer garments.

Here are some common types:

Cotton Yarn: Soft, breathable, and endlessly versatile, cotton yarn is perfect for crafting lightweight garments, such as airy tops, delicate shawls, and comfortable baby clothes. Its smooth texture and ability to absorb moisture make it an ideal choice for warm-weather projects.
Bamboo Yarn: Silky smooth and lightweight, bamboo yarn drapes beautifully and adds an elegant touch to any project. It’s perfect for creating summer garments, luxurious scarves, soft blankets, and delicate accessories like lacy shawls or wraps. Bamboo yarn is also naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
Hemp Yarn: Known for its durability and strength as it will not shrink, stretch, fade, or pill, hemp yarn is an eco-friendly option that’s suitable for crafting sturdy bags, durable home decor items like coasters or dishcloths, and even rugged outdoor wear. Its natural resistance to mold and mildew makes it an excellent choice for items that may be exposed to moisture.
Linen Yarn: Strong, absorbent, and quick-drying, linen yarn is great for creating garments and textiles that stand the test of time. Its crisp texture, which will soften with wash and wear, and natural luster make it ideal for durable garments like open breathable sweaters, as well as kitchen textiles.
Nettle Yarn: Soft, strong, and warm, nettle yarn offers a unique rustic texture that adds character to any project. It’s perfect for creating one-of-a-kind items like sweaters, textured scarves, earthy home decor. While coarse and sturdy, eco-friendly nettle yarn will soften with wash and wear.

Animal Fiber Yarns

When exploring types of yarn, animal fiber options stand out for their warmth and luxurious qualities.

These yarns are ideal for winter weather projects like cozy sweaters, scarves, hats or plush blankets. For individuals with allergies or sensitivities, animal fiber yarns may pose certain considerations.

Four skeins of Merino wool yarn next to each other — Wool yarn made of animal fibers is warm, making it ideal for winter weather projects.

Here are some common examples:

Wool Yarn: Wool yarn, derived from sheep, is a natural fiber known for its warmth and elasticity. It’s great for cozy projects like sweaters, socks, and hats. While it can be a bit pricey, its insulating properties and luxurious feel make it worth the investment. Available in various breeds like Merino, Shetland, and Icelandic, each offering unique characteristics.
Alpaca Yarn: Alpaca yarn, sourced from alpacas, is incredibly soft and lightweight, yet warmer than wool. It’s hypoallergenic and lacks lanolin, making it suitable for those with wool allergies. Alpaca yarn is often used for luxurious items like scarves, shawls, and sweaters that provide warmth without adding bulk.
Silk Yarn: Silk yarn, harvested from silkworms, is renowned for its luxurious feel and elegant appearance. It has a beautiful sheen and drapes gracefully, making it perfect for delicate projects like shawls and evening wear. While it’s more expensive than other types of yarn, its smooth texture and lustrous appearance are unmatched.
Angora Yarn: Angora yarn, sourced from Angora rabbits, is known for its warmth and halo effect, which gives projects a soft, fuzzy appearance. Angora yarn is lightweight and airy, making it perfect for creating plush accessories like hats, mittens, and scarves. It is also known for its excellent insulating properties, making it ideal for cold weather garments. While it tends to shed and felt, it’s perfect for special items you are willing to take extra care with.
Cashmere and Mohair Yarn: Cashmere and mohair yarns, derived from goats, are soft, lightweight, and warm. Both of the yarns have silky texture and lustrous sheen that adds elegance to finished projects, making them perfect for creating luxurious garments from sweaters and cardigans to shawls and blankets. They are also known for their excellent insulating properties, providing warmth without being heavy or bulky. Mohair in particular has a distinctive halo or fuzziness that gives a luxurious feel.

Synthetic Fiber Yarns

Synthetic fiber yarns are man-made, offering affordability and durability.

These yarns are man-made, offering a wide range of colors, textures, and weights. Synthetic fiber yarns are easy to care for and resistant to stretching and fading. They are perfect for everyday items like blankets, hats, and scarves.

Additionally, synthetic yarns are often budget-friendly, making them ideal for beginners or large-scale projects.

A skein of acrylic yarn next to an unfinished knitting project — Acrylic yarn made of synthetic fibers is durable, making it suitable for everyday items like blankets.

Here are some common types:

Acrylic Yarn: Acrylic yarn is versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to find in a wide array of colors and textures. It’s known for its softness, making it comfortable to work with and wear. It is also durable and resistant to stretching and fading, making it suitable for everyday items like blankets, hats, and scarves. Additionally, acrylic yarn is machine washable and dryable, making it easy to care for and maintain.
Nylon Yarn: Nylon yarn is exceptionally strong and resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for reinforcing projects that require extra durability, such as socks and other high-wear items. It is also highly elastic, meaning it can stretch without losing its shape, making it perfect for items that need to maintain their form, like fitted garments or accessories.
Polyester Yarn: Polyester yarn known is for its durability and ease of care. It is resistant to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkling, making it suitable for everyday items that require frequent washing or heavy use, such as blankets, clothing, and accessories. Polyester yarn is also resistant to fading and available in a wide range of colors and textures.

Novelty Yarns

Specialty or novelty yarns refer to types of yarn that deviate from traditional fibers and construction methods. These yarns often feature unique textures, colors, or embellishments that add visual interest and novelty to knitted or crocheted projects.

A coffee maker on a knitted trivet on a kitchen counter — Tube yarn is a type of specialty yarn that is perfect for making trivets and coasters.

Some common types of specialty or novelty yarns include:

Bouclé Yarn: Bouclé yarns have loops or curls spun into the yarn, creating a textured, bumpy surface. This yarn adds dimension and texture to projects and is often used for creating textured fabrics or adding interest to accessories, such as blankets, scarves and wraps.
Eyelash Yarn: Eyelash yarns feature thin strands interspersed with longer, fuzzy fibers that resemble eyelashes. This yarn adds a furry texture to projects and is commonly used for trims, edgings, or accents in garments and accessories.
Ribbon Yarn: Ribbon yarns are flat, ribbon-like strands made from fabric or synthetic materials. They come in various widths and textures, such as satin, metallic, or glittery. Ribbon yarns are used for adding decorative elements to projects or creating lightweight, drapey fabrics.
Faux Fur Yarn: Faux fur yarns mimic the look and feel of real fur, offering a soft and plush texture. These yarns are often used for creating cozy accessories like hats, scarves, and trimmings on garments.
Slub Yarn: Slub yarns feature thick and thin areas along the strand, creating a textured, irregular surface. This yarn adds visual interest and rustic charm to projects, such as shawls or scarf, and is commonly used for creating textured fabrics with a handmade look.
Chenille Yarn: Chenille yarn, known for its velvety texture, is soft and luxurious, perfect for cozy blankets and pillows. It adds elegance to garments and accessories like scarves and sweaters, with a subtle sheen. Despite its delicate nature, crafters appreciate its warmth and inviting feel.

Yarn Weight Categories

Yarn weight primarily refers to the thickness or diameter of the yarn strand. The weight of the yarn affects the gauge of your project and determines its overall size, drape, and texture. Choosing the appropriate yarn weight is essential for achieving the desired outcome of your project.

Three purple yarns in different thickness wrapped in a bow next to each other — The weight of the yarn determines your project’s overall size, drape, and texture.

In general, yarns are divided into eight different yarn weight categories:

Lace: Delicate and thin yarn that is perfect for intricate lace patterns, such as lace shawls and delicate accessories.
Super Fine: Slightly heavier yarn than lace weight and great for lightweight garments, such as socks, lightweight scarves, and baby clothes.
Fine: Versatile choice for lightweight sweaters and baby clothes.
Light: Slightly heavier yarn than fine weight and ideal for lightweight wearables, such as sweaters, hats, scarves, and baby clothes.
Medium: An “all purpose” yarn and go-to weight for different types of projects, such as scarves, sweaters, hats, and blankets.
Bulky: Quick to work up yarn that is excellent for cozy winter accessories, such as chunky scarves, hats, and cardigans.
Super Bulky: Some of the heaviest of yarns and great for fast, warm projects, such as hats, scarves, and blankets.
Jumbo: Heaviest weight of yarn, also used for arm-knitting projects. Perfect for blankets, home decor projects, and accessories.

You can read more about yarn weight categories here in this post and find a yarn weight chart that helps you with selecting the perfect yarn for your project. And if you’re thinking about substituting the yarn, make sure to check out this complete yarn substitution guide.

Why Yarn Ply Matters

Yarn ply refers to the number of individual strands twisted together to form a single yarn strand. Yarns can be single ply, two-ply, three-ply, or more.

A strand of purple yarn showing its four plies — This medium weight yarn has 4 plies, making it durable and easy to work with.

Here’s how yarn ply affects your projects:

Durability: The ply count affects the strength and durability of the yarn, with more plies generally resulting in a stronger yarn that is less prone to wear.
Stitch Definition: Plied yarns often provide better stitch definition, making them ideal for intricate stitch patterns and textured designs.
Texture: The number of plies can influence the texture of the yarn, with multiple plies creating a smoother, more uniform surface compared to single-ply yarns, which may have a more rustic or uneven texture.
Feel and Drape: Ply contributes to the overall weight of the yarn, with more plies typically resulting in a heavier yarn and thicker fabric, while single-ply yarns tend to yield a softer, more delicate fabric.
Ease of Use: Plied yarns are generally easier to work with than single-ply yarns, as they are less prone to splitting. In addition, the tightness of plies in yarn can vary, affecting its tendency to split, with loosely plied yarns being more prone to splitting compared to tightly plied yarns.
Pilling: Plied yarns tend to pill less than single-ply yarns, making them ideal for complex projects where you think you need to go back and fix mistakes. Frogging with unplied yarns easily leads to unwanted fuzz and potential yarn breakage.

Texture of Yarn

All of the above mentioned yarn characteristics affect the texture of yarn that refers to the feel and physical characteristics of the yarn, such as smoothness, softness, fuzziness, or roughness. These textures determine the look, feel, and drape of your finished project, adding depth and interest to your knitted or crocheted creations.

Smooth yarns have a sleek, polished surface that creates clean, defined stitches, ideal for intricate patterns like cables or lace.
Fuzzy yarns have a soft, fuzzy surface that adds warmth and texture, perfect for cozy accessories like scarves, hats, and blankets.
Rough yarns have a coarse texture with visible fibers that add a rustic, textured look, ideal for projects with a vintage vibe.

An unfinished knitting project on double pointed needles next to a skein of yarn

In addition, yarn textures significantly influence your knitting experience. For example, smooth yarns may be challenging for beginners due to their slippery nature, whereas more textured yarns often provide more grip, making them easier to handle.

The texture of yarn also plays a role in how a garment holds up over time and the care it requires. A robust, tightly spun yarn is usually more durable and low-maintenance compared to a delicate, loosely spun yarn.

Colors of Yarn

Yarn comes in a vast array of colors, allowing you to bringing your projects to life with vibrant hues and captivating color combinations. Choosing the color for the project is the fun part. Here are some popular dyeing techniques to choose from:

Solid Yarns: Solid yarns come in a single color, creating a uniform and classic look.
Semi-Solid or Tonal Yarns: Semi-solid yarns have multiple shades of the same color family, creating subtle variations in hue and tone.
Variegated Yarns: Variegated yarns are dyed with multiple colors in random or repeating patterns, creating a unique, painterly effect.
Gradient or Ombre Yarns: Gradient yarns gradually change from one color to another along the length of the strand, creating a beautiful gradient effect.
Self-Striping Yarns: Self-striping yarns create stripes as you knit or crochet, creating bands of color without the need for color changes.
Speckled Yarns: Speckled yarns have small, scattered flecks or specks of color, resulting in a playful, confetti-like appearance.
Space-Dyed Yarn: Space-dyed yarns are dyed with multiple colors in irregular patterns, creating a variegated or mottled effect.
Hand-Dyed Yarns: Hand-dyed yarns are dyed by hand in small batches, resulting in one-of-a-kind colorways with rich depth and complexity.

A pair of knitted wrist warmers next to knitting needles and a skein of yarn — This variegated yarn has multiple colors in random patterns, creating a unique effect for these wrist warmers.

Tips for Choosing the Right Yarn

Here are some tips for choosing the right yarn:

Consider the purpose of the finished item and choose yarn with suitable properties, such as warmth, durability, or drape. For example, wool offers elasticity and warmth, cotton provides coolness and less stretch, and synthetic fibers offer durability and easy maintenance.
Choose a yarn texture that complements your project’s design, stitch pattern, and desired feel. For example, smooth yarn is ideal for intricate patterns like cables or lace and fuzzy yarns for cozy accessories like scarves and hats.
Swatch with your chosen yarn to confirm it matches your project’s required gauge. Find the detailed instructions for knitting a gauge swatch here.
Take note of yarn care instructions to ensure they align with the intended use of the finished item. For example, easy-to-care-for yarn is ideal for items that require frequent washing.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match yarns to achieve unique textures and color combinations.
Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity guide you in your yarn selection process!

Conclusions

No matter your project, there’s a type of yarn out there for you. From soft and snuggly to bold and vibrant, the options are endless!

Experiment with different fibers, textures, and colors to find your perfect match. Understanding yarn characteristics like fiber content and texture is key to choosing the right yarn for your project.

With each skein, you’re not just selecting a material—you’re selecting a canvas for your creativity to flourish. So, grab your needles or hook, and let your creativity run wild!

Happy yarn hunting!